Che's Play Pal

April 23 PM Walk
As this was really only the 3rd day of stupendously warm weather, Chester let me know that he wasn't into a long walk. So it was fortunate when, while walking down the street, we ran into one of Chester's doggie pals. Gracie is a Rottweiler guard dog who lives at Greg's Rubbish Removal, just 3 blocks north of us on 3rd ave. A kind woman has taken it upon herself to walk Gracie twice daily and to covertly try and find her a new home. Living in a junkyard is a pretty dirty job for anyone, but especially for a puppy with as sweet of a disposition as Gracie's. The really sad part of this whole situation is, as gentrification and development takes hold of Gowanus, that Greg's Rubbish Removal (Gracie's home) is slated for demolition in just 8 days-- meaning a very uncertain future for tail-having Gracie. She could really use a couple of things-- a new home, regular walks, and a bath (rolling in motor oil doesn't do much for a healthy coat). With such a great personality and spirit, it would be a shame for Gracie to have to be put in an unfamiliar situation. She is up for adoption should you, or anyone care to take her in. If she were adopted, Chester would lose a play mate, but Gracie would gain a real home. That's a trade off Chester certainly understands.

Gracie (available for adoption)

Che and Gracie, J.J. Byrne Dog Park, Park Slope, BKLYN

Really Nice Red Hook

April 22 PM Walk
We were again blessed with a day filled with warmth and sunshine, although this day had a crisp feeling to it-- sorta like that feeling you get when you slide into a freshly made bed and its all cold and warm at the same time. That's the kind of day it was-- clear, with a gentle breeze and but the comforting sun on our cheeks.
We decided to head out to Red Hook once again for an evening 4 miler. The impending dusk was just the right temperature for Chester as he tends to get considerably uncomfortable when the temperature gets above 80 degrees. We checked on the progress of the IKEA building near the Red Hook Recreation Area. Unless one could piece together the blue plywood surrounding the job site with the famous blue and yellow of IKEA, you'd think that this was just another condo development (except this one is a really, really large creation). The piers at the end of Van Brundt street offered some terrific views of the Statue of Liberty and the setting sun. And having had a high calorie night last night, 4 miles was a nice little trek.

Red Hook, BKLYN

Red Hook, BKLYN (and lady liberty)

Old Brooklyn Street cars, Red Hook Fairway Supermarket, BKLYN

Talk your kids to the park Saturday

April 21 PM walk
Today was the absolute first day of the spring/ summer continuum, where there was nothing but abundant warmth and sunshine all around us. And after such a thorough soaking this past week, the change from cold and wet to blue skies and sun was a stark contrast.
Chester decided he wanted to visit the dog beach in Prospect park so we headed up to the urban oasis. I unfortunately had to be the bearer of bad news for him as we are under strict instructions from Chester's vet not so swim anymore in the stagnant and parasite infested waters of Prospect Park. So instead, we wandered around the park, smelling the flowers, and checking out all the kids, adults and other dogs who were either basking in the sun, playing soccer, baseball, or Frisbee, or enjoying an afternoon BBQ. It has been such a blessing to have such a gorgeous place for recreation, literally steps (albeit big, long steps, but steps nonetheless) from our door. Ah spring time.....

Prospect Park, BKLYN

Street Art vs. Grafitti

April 20 PM Walk
When you combine a sparse population with lots of vacant wall space and plenty of artist's lofts, there tends to be a lot of graffiti. But not all graffiti is graffiti-- some has got to be defined as public art. Far too much time and intent goes into these projects-- with the artist knowing all too well that the project may be stripped from the walls the next day, may be sandblasted to oblivion, or may never be seen by anyone else but the artist, and maybe a dog walker. Chester and I ventured to our normal spot, the dog park in Carroll Gardens for some dog time. But along the way, we wandered down Bond St. and came across some pretty neat art. Chester insisted that he pose in front of the naked girl. Who was I to argue with a 114 lb. dog with inch long canines?!